Slotkin, Husted’s Human Trafficking Act Passes Senate Unanimously, Heads to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan, bicameral Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Jon Husted (R-OH), along with Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Lucy McBath (D-GA), passed the Senate unanimously last week and is now headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law. 
  
The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act: 

• Directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to train its employees to identify human trafficking and refer suspected trafficking crimes to law enforcement.  
• Requires the DOL to submit annual reports to Congress detailing its training and referral efforts, beginning no later than one year after the DOL implements the program. 

In 2023, law enforcement recorded 254 confirmed human trafficking cases involving 506 victims in Michigan.   

“The fight against human trafficking should never be a partisan issue,” said Senator Slotkin.“Survivors and victims in Michigan and across the country are owed justice, accountability, and meaningful action to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. Our bipartisan bill, the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, provides the Department of Labor with the necessary framework to address these unthinkable crimes head-on. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to get this important legislation passed and look forward to seeing it signed into law.” 

“Human trafficking is a national tragedy, and we need to do everything we can to stop it,” said Senator Husted. “This law will help ensure federal workers are equipped to spot the signs of human trafficking and refer suspected crimes to law enforcement. I’m proud this bill will be my fourth bill signed into law since I took office. This is a great example of the bipartisan work we can accomplish for the American people, and I look forward to the lives this law will help save.” 

“Human trafficking can hide in plain sight, and this bill will help more people recognize the warning signs,” said Representative Walberg. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed my bill and sent it to President Trump’s desk. By giving Department of Labor employees the right training, we can help identify victims sooner and get potential cases to law enforcement.” 

“Human trafficking is a devastating crime that preys on the most vulnerable and robs victims of their freedom and dignity,” said Representative McBath. “We have a responsibility to ensure that those on the front lines in our communities and across the federal government have the tools necessary to help combat this crime and provide survivors with a path to safety. Strengthening training for Department of Labor employees is an important step toward recognizing the signs of human trafficking, protecting victims, and connecting them with the resources they need. I thank my colleagues for their support.” 
 
Walberg introduced the companion bill to the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking in the House of Representatives. The bill passed the House on March 3, 2026.  
 
Full text of the bill is available here. 

###

The post Slotkin, Husted’s Human Trafficking Act Passes Senate Unanimously, Heads to President’s Desk appeared first on Senator Elissa Slotkin.